Microphone OLYMPUS ME-31 — compact stereo condenser microphone for recorders and cameras

The OLYMPUS ME-31 is a compact stereo condenser microphone engineered for use with portable recorders, audio devices and cameras. Its stereo pickup pattern captures left and right channels to reproduce interviews, field recordings and ambient sound with greater spatial detail than built-in microphones. The ME-31 uses a plug-and-play connection to compatible devices, offering a straightforward way to improve on-board audio quality without complex setup.

Advantages

The ME-31 delivers compact, lightweight construction combined with stereo condenser capsules to provide clear, balanced audio for on-camera and on-recorder use. Its design focuses on ease of use: the microphone requires no external power when connected to supported devices, and the plug-and-play interface minimises setup time. The stereo configuration helps preserve spatial information and improves intelligibility for interviews and location recordings compared with monaural built-in mics.

Suitable for

• Interviews and dialogue recording with portable recorders or cameras
• Field recording of ambient sound and location atmospheres
• Journalism and reporting where compact, easy-to-deploy audio is needed
• Content creation for vlogs and mobile video with improved stereo sound

Key specifications

• Transducer type: Stereo condenser capsules
• Polar pattern: Stereo configuration for left/right channel capture
• Form factor: Compact, lightweight external microphone
• Connectivity: Plug-and-play connection compatible with devices that support the microphone input
• Intended use: External microphone for recorders, portable audio devices and cameras

How to use

Attach the ME-31 to a compatible recorder or camera input and ensure the connection is secure. Position the microphone toward the sound source to capture clear stereo information; for interviews place the microphone between or slightly above participants, and for ambient recording orient it to pick up the desired sound field. Verify input levels on your device and adjust recording gain as needed to avoid clipping while maintaining sufficient signal level. After recording, disconnect the microphone and store it in a protective case to prevent physical damage.

Usage recommendations

Use the OLYMPUS ME-31 in quiet or moderately noisy environments for best results; wind protection or a foam cover is advisable when recording outdoors. Monitor levels during setup and perform a short test recording to confirm stereo balance and proper gain settings before critical takes.